The Wonderful Walz: A background on Tim Walz before his newfound fame

Published August 9th, 2024

By Josh Montagne, Director of Political Affairs

Before being selected as the running mate of the Democratic Party in 2024, Tim Walz served under a slew of other rules helping him get to where he is today.

Born and raised in a small town in Nebraska, Walz graduated from high school, where he proceeded to join the Army National Guard. During his time there he would attend Chadron State College, where he would go on and graduate with a social science degree in 1989.

After only one year of teaching abroad, Walz decided to enlist full time in the Army National Guard and then later accept a teaching role.

At this school is where he would meet Gwen, his future wife. In 1996, the couple decided to head to Minnesota where they both taught at Mankato West High School. Walz would also assume the role of football coach where he led the team to their first state championship.

In 2005, after 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz announced his retirement.

That following year, Walz would be elected to the House of Representatives defeating a six-term Republican incumbent. He would be re-elected five times. In 2019, Walz ran and won the seat for governor in the state of Minnesota. He would be re-elected in 2022.

Walz has done extensive work as Governor from protecting reproductive rights to legalizing recreational marijuana. He also made it possible for every student in the State of Minnesota to have access to free lunches. Walz is also a big supporter of the LGBTQ+ Community and has been for decades.